Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Following in the tradition of Nomar Garciaparra & Mia Hamm, the Dodgers announced the signing of Mr. Misty May (a.k.a. Matt Treanor) yesterday. Per Ken Gurnick:

The Dodgers continued their aggressive roster makeover Tuesday, confirming the signing of backup catcher Matt Treanor only hours after the signing of second baseman Mark Ellis -- with confirmation of Matt Kemp's megabucks extension expected to be confirmed "before Thanksgiving," according to general manager Ned Colletti. [...]

Treanor will receive a guaranteed one-year contract for $850,000 plus an option for 2013 or buyout of $150,000. The Dodgers were looking for a replacement for Rod Barajas, who left last week for a $4 million deal with Pittsburgh and had inquired about free agent Ryan Doumit, but never made an offer after hearing his asking price.

Treanor is a defensive-oriented catcher who Colletti said would serve as a veteran backstop, as well as a mentor, to second-year catcher A.J. Ellis and rookie Tim Federowicz. Treanor will be 36 in March.

"We want to continue to go strong up the middle defensively," said Colletti. "When you look at the two offensive catchers [presumably Barajas and Doumit], one is overpaid and the other you're not sure where you come out on him. Treanor is a catch-and-throw type who can help our two young catchers.

"I met with him a week ago in Manhattan Beach, and he reminded me a lot of Brad [Ausmus]. He has a good feel for leading a pitching staff and the priorities of defense in catching. I see him catching 50 games, with A.J. starting the season for us and Federowicz at Triple-A, although you never know what happens in the spring. That's how we see it right now."

Treanor hit .214 with three homers and 22 RBIs this year in 72 games between the Royals and Rangers. He threw out 25 percent of attempted basestealers. He earned $850,000 last year.

So "strong up the middle defensively" means a second baseman, shortstop and catcher with no power? I sure hope Juan Uribe hits the Slim Fast and Andre Ethier's knee heals, because Matt Kemp can't carry the offense by himself.